Page 31 of Tiers of Joy

“No! That’s Monty Python, you’ve heard of them right?! The comedians? They made the movies Life Of Brian, Holy Grail, and The Meaning Of Life. Have you never seen them?!” I ask.

He shakes his head.

“No, never.”

I gasp in shock horror.

“How old are you?” I ask.

“Thirty-three.” He answers.

“I'm twenty-three, you have ten years on me. You should know about the Pythons! That being said, you're American/Canadian, it can't be helped that the British awesomeness that is Python didn’t reach you. So sit back and get comfy because I'm about to educate you on some proper English humour.” I order.

Gaige smiles and kicks off his boots and shuffles back. I grab the rest of the snacks and my laptop. I sit next to him on the bed.

“Oh, before I start, you’re not religious, are you?” I ask.

He smiles.

“What if I was?” He asks.

I nibble my thumb nail nervously.

“Well you would probably end up seriously offended.” I state.

“It’s a good job I'm not then, isn’t it?” He teases.

I smack his chest and click play.

“Wait a minute, how are you able to use your laptop?” He asks.

“Ernie next door tethered me an extension cable so I can charge my phone and laptop.” I smile.

Gaige puts his arm around me and I lean against his chest. I keep looking up at him to see if he’s enjoying the movie. He smiles down at me.

I laugh at all of my favourite bits and I like hearing Gaige laugh too.

We make it through to the Holy Grail and I feel my eyes become heavy. I cuddle further into Gaige and fall asleep. I feel warm, cosy, and not alone for the first time since Jay passed.

I'm not sure what the time is when I wake up but as I stretch I feel a wall of solid behind me. I turn and see Gaige fast asleep next to me. He looks so peaceful and handsome. I smile, carefully turning back around to get some sleep.

I awake to Gaige stroking back my hair and whispering my name. I stretch and face plant my pillow.

“Go away. I’m sleeping.” I mumble into my pillow.

“Esme, I’ve got to go.” He states firmly.

I sit up sleepy and confused and wipe my eyes.

“Huh?” I yawn.

“I have to go. Something has come up.” Is all he says. Leaning forward he kisses my head and leaves. I frown in confusion.

I guess he has an invite somewhere. It is boxing day after all.

I lay back down and fall asleep for pretty much most of the day.

I don’t hear from Gaige for a while and when Bob returns to work, he returns without Gaige.

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